City Electric bikes

With almost 900 km of bike paths, Montreal is one of the best cities in Canada for cyclists. The metropolis has set up an extensive network suitable for urban bicycles, crossing streets and parks that allow residents to get around on two wheels throughout the year. Whether for shopping, daily trips, going to work or taking the children to school, the bicycle is a vehicle that has many advantages for the user and for the environment. Here's what you need to know about the electric urban bike plus a list of the best men's and women's bikes from the Quantum eBikes team.

Why travel by urban bike in Montreal?

Exercising whenever you move

A study conducted in 2017 proved that replacing your traditional transport vehicle with an electric urban bike can significantly increase your level of physical activity. Every bike ride becomes an opportunity to move your body, which helps to achieve the daily activity level recommended by doctors.

The urban bike is more ecological than the car and public transport

By abandoning the car or public transport, cyclists contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in cities by reducing the distance traveled by car annually by approximately 2,000 km. This is the equivalent of a reduction of 460 kg of CO2 emissions per year, which makes urban cycling one of the most ecological means of transport.

No need to pay city parking by urban bike

As in all major cities, it is no secret that parking is problematic in Montreal. Between the lack of places on public roads and the high price of private parking, it can become a real nightmare for people who want to get around town by car. By traveling by urban bike in Montreal, these concerns would no longer exist. All you need is a good padlock and the city is yours!

Preference for the Urban Electric Bike

Drive up to 32 km/hour

The electric urban bike is a means of transport that has other advantages. Thanks to the electric assistance, you can reach a speed of up to 32 km/hour, saving you considerable time in your daily journeys. According to a study carried out in 2017, the urban electric bike saves on average 21% more time compared to other means of transport. For someone who takes 45 minutes to get to work by car and 1 hour to get back in traffic, this represents approximately 430 hours spent in the car each year (considering that the person takes three weeks of vacation). By adopting this type of hybrid bike, this person could save approximately 90 hours per year, which is far from negligible!

Battery range up to 70 km and more

Electric city bikes have a pretty high battery life, so you can do short and long distances as you see fit. While range distance can vary, it is usually between 40km and 120km on a single battery charge. Variables such as the weight of the cyclist, the type of terrain and the level of assistance can also affect the level of energy consumed.

Go everywhere without getting tired: the advantages of a car without the disadvantages

Who hasn't ever regretted taking the standard bike to get around an uphill street? However active you are, there are days when you simply don't have the energy to pedal up the slopes (think of the famous slope between Ontario and Sherbrooke in Montreal). This is one of the main advantages of the urban electric bike: thanks to the assistance, the effort becomes minimal during the hardest stretches of road.

How to choose your urban bike?

Width of tires & fenders

The width of your bicycle's tires and fenders should be suitable for the city in terms of agility, safety and rider comfort. He must be able to easily dodge any obstacle that crosses his path and pedal regardless of the weather conditions. The width of most urban electric bike tires is between 28 and 42 mm and is puncture-proof.

As for the mudguard, make sure it covers a large part of the tire, to protect you from splashes.

Weight

Most models of city electric city bikes weigh around 20-25 kg on average. They need to be tough enough for rider safety, but also light enough to navigate the streets with agility. Lighter, the urban carbon bike is also much more fragile in the face of city hazards.

Motorization

Electric bike assistance could make your life easier. Goodbye sweaty arrivals at work and tedious slopes. With an urban bike, you can get around town much easier than with a standard bike.

These two wheels can be activated by two types of sensors.

• First, we have the cadence sensor, determining when the user is pedaling. This is often located on the rear wheel and gives the impression of traction when starting.
• Next, we find the torque sensor, determining the force with which the user pedals. Located at the level of the pedals, it allows better distribution of the masses and ensures a more stable experience.

E-bike motors are often quite quiet. To understand their performance (ability to accelerate), you must first look at the torque in Nm. The higher it is, the more efficient it is. Then you can look at the motor wattage to measure their power. This can vary between 250 and 500 Watts.

Stem & Suspensions

In general, cyclists are looking for a mid-size stem for their bike. The idea is to have as much comfort as possible when traveling on two wheels. A stem between 60 and 100 mm, whose inclination can vary between 10 and 15 degrees, will allow you to keep a straight posture during your travels.

Make sure there is a good suspension fork. The fork provides shock absorption on an urban bike when traveling over cobblestones, potholes or other obstacles.

Speed

Since your hybrid bike is primarily intended for city commuting, five gears should suffice, but manufacturers often equip their e-bikes with multiple-speed drivetrains for added performance and smooth riding. In our opinion, 7 or 8 gears allows for all sorts of paths, depending on your wishes.

Brakes

There can be several different types of brakes on an urban bike: the disc brake, which clamps one disc to another when the brake is activated; the mechanical pad brake, a cable located under the front fork; and hydraulic pad brakes, which brake using a liquid present in pipes.

Saddle

The saddle is one of the parts that should not be overlooked for an electric urban bike, since the user will be seated there throughout his journey. It is therefore essential to choose a wide and slightly raised saddle that distributes the weight of the body well, for a comfortable ride.

Passengers

It is possible to cycle for two, thanks to the models of tandem bicycles. When it comes to riding an e-bike, all your wishes come true. The number of passengers is therefore also to be taken into consideration when it comes to choosing an electric urban bike. The same applies if you plan to travel with your child. The purchase of an electric cargo bike or the addition of accessories such as a child seat could be taken into consideration.

Selection of the best electric urban bikes

QUANTUM eBikes has a huge selection of this type of product! In the list of best urban electric bike, reviews are heading towards the O2feel e bikes brand due to their iSwan City range designed for the city. From their comfort collection, the iSwan City Boost 7.1 and iSwan City Boost 8.1 (available in mid-step or open frame) have a modern look and a quiet Shimano motor.

Urban bikes for men

Gazelle Medeo T10

Sporty and versatile, the Medeo T10 HMB has a Bosch Performance Line motor that will provide the power needed for cycling in town and on the road. With its 10-speed Shimano Deore transmission, its ergonomic handles, its high inclined aluminum frame and its suspension front fork, the Medeo T10 HMB is the ideal ally for those who want a reliable, versatile vehicle, adapted to the realities of the city. As with all Gazelle bikes, user reviews are positive.

Price of the Gazelle Medeo T10 bike: $4,449.

Riese & Muller Roadster

The Roadster with its light aluminum frame with minimalist details is equipped with a 625Wh battery, for even more autonomy for your urban journeys. Sporty, comfortable and agile, the Riese & Müller Roadster is an excellent urban men's bike for those looking for unrivaled riding pleasure and premium quality. Superb matte finish, black or gray. Possibility to configure your electric bike by choosing the parts, components and accessories you want! Visit the Quantum Bikes Riese & Müller product page.

Price of the Riese & Müller Roadster bike: $7,369.

Stromer ST3

Dynamic and powerful, the Stromer ST3 is distinguished by its intelligent connectivity with GPS location and anti-theft mode and its fully integrated design. In addition to being easy to remove, the battery has a range of up to 180 km, giving you peace of mind during your long journeys. This model is available in white and black, with sport or comfort frame.

Price of the Stromer ST3 bike: $9,749.

Urban bikes for women

Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite

Equipped with an 8-speed Shimano Nexus transmission for smooth shifting and a Bosch Active Line Plus motor, the Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite is a bike that combines elegance and performance, at a fair price. All the details of the parts have been thought out to offer a relaxed ride. Its low and spacious aluminum frame makes it a comfortable ebike, perfect for daily commuting. In the list of light women's urban bikes, it is positioned advantageously, under 24 kg. Available in "black matte" and "Dust light". Add a few accessories to your wishlist, for example by checking out the helmets section.

Price of the Gazelle Arroyo C8 HMB Elite bike: $4,999.

Gepida Bonum Edge Nexus 8

Excellent value ! The Bonum Edge Nexus 8 is nimble and comfortable, while looking sleek. Practical electric urban bike, it is equipped with several accessories such as a luggage rack to accommodate your bags, lights, a wheel lock and more! Two versions are offered to suit and satisfy the wishes of all sizes: with 28-inch or 26-inch wheels.

Price of the Gepida Bonum Edge Nexus 8 bike: $4,595.

Riese & Müller Nevo GT

Taking to the road with the Nevo GT model from Riese & Müller is an exceptional experience! This extra comfortable and high-performance bike has an integrated 500Wh battery and a powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Its low stride makes it one of the most suitable models for cycling for city trips, both short and long distances. High-quality parts and state-of-the-art components for an unparalleled ride.

Price of the Riese & Müller Nevo GT bike: $7,729.

* Prices subject to change without notice.